Los Angeles vs Riverside: cost of living compared

Riverside is 33% cheaper than Los Angeles overall.

Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.

The big picture

Comparing Los Angeles and Riverside reveals a substantial difference in overall cost of living. Los Angeles is noticeably more expensive across the board, with housing being the primary driver of this disparity. While other categories like transportation, food, and utilities also show Los Angeles as pricier, the gap in housing costs is by far the most significant factor contributing to the higher expenses in the larger metropolitan area. This fundamental difference sets the stage for budgeting in each location.

Housing

Housing costs present a much bigger gap between these two metros. Both median home prices and typical one-bedroom rents are considerably higher in Los Angeles than in Riverside. Los Angeles features a diverse housing stock, often with denser urban living and older, established neighborhoods. Riverside, conversely, tends to offer more suburban-style residences, including newer developments, which can contribute to its comparatively lower housing expenses for both buyers and renters. Property taxes and insurance costs will also reflect these price differences.

Taxes and everyday costs

Regarding daily expenses, both metros share the same state income tax structure. However, other categories show differences. Transportation costs are somewhat higher in Los Angeles, though average commute times are roughly similar for residents. Food, healthcare, and utilities are also more expensive in Los Angeles, though these differences are not as stark as housing. Overall, everyday spending on essentials will generally be more economical in Riverside, allowing household budgets to stretch further.

Lifestyle trade-offs

Beyond costs, lifestyle differences are notable. Los Angeles offers a dense, bustling urban environment with extensive cultural attractions, diverse industries, and proximity to coastal areas. Its public transit system is more developed, though driving is still prevalent. Riverside, located inland, experiences hotter, drier summers and offers a more relaxed, suburban pace. It serves as a gateway to natural landscapes and provides a different kind of community feel, with less urban density than its coastal counterpart.

Bottom line

For households weighing a move between these two California metros, the financial implications are clear. Opting for Riverside generally means a much more affordable cost of living, predominantly due to significantly lower housing expenses. While some daily costs are still higher than the national average in Riverside, they remain considerably less than in Los Angeles. A move from Los Angeles to Riverside would likely free up a substantial portion of a household budget, offering greater financial flexibility.

Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Riverside home with the True Cost Calculator.

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